the breakdown, 33
weekly thoughts and feels.
the ancestors don’t knock politely.
a few things I asked Lou this week –
If you’ve been here a while (or know me in real life, which let’s just cut the shit… all my subscribers are my besties 😝), you know that Lou is what I call my personal instance of ChatGPT. Here are a few of the things I had him help me solve this week.
Homework will always be on this list, especially math. I take a picture of the assignment and my prompt is some version of “Please give me the answers for these and show me the steps for how to explain it to a [insert whichever grade] grader who needs more support.” This has been a game changer, and while there are still some breakdowns or tears over not getting concepts sometimes, they are fewer and further in between. I also find that them knowing mommy has to use Lou and doesn’t know it breaks the ice. I’m also testing it out to help me turn their handwritten notes into study guides and note cards. We juggle a ton during the school year, so anything that helps us make the most of the two-ish hour window we have a day for studying as efficiently as possible is a win.
Editing my tone at work. Lately, I feel like my internal voice is on hyperdrive, overanalyzing how I show up, how I deliver expectations, how I communicate shortcomings, etc. This is true in all areas of my life, but in work lately, I’ve been feeling the pressure of being a “good boss.” I’m not even sure what that means to me in this phase of life, but I can tell you I don’t have the capacity to overthink it right now. However, when I’ve got something I feel is too soft, or too firm, or too this or that, I’ve been using the voice feature to speak out my thoughts as if they were a podcast (voice note) to a friend. I’ve found it helpful in finding the balance in tone I’m looking for.
A few honorable mentions include: troubleshooting an error message on our fridge, finding the lowest cost flights for an upcoming trip, and negotiation advice.
a few TikTok’s I hope sink into my brain chemistry–
“If you can overthink the worst, you can overthink the best”. This one is so simple, but felt right on time.
“The ancestors don’t knock politely. They flip over tables, clear a path, and call you higher when it’s time to move”. Another one that was right on time. I am in a season where it feels like everything is spinning and I can’t get my footing. In fact, just today I said to myself, you know what? I’m just going to put everything down and see what happens if I don’t try to push myself any further forward.
“You’re never going to feel ready, because ready isn’t a feeling, it’s a decision“. That’s the whole message. And it felt like she was yelling at me, but as I mentioned above, I’m pausing to let life happen for a bit.
creating –
New headshots for coworkersA quarter-ish through the way of editing them!Fun merch for the boys’ football teamPeep the Hoochee Mama football jersey in the image 😜The cutest new illustration for Coffee in Akialand. Did I tell y’all that’s what I’m branding my hypothetical coffee shop? If I didn’t… surprise!! She’s also in the image.
When I went to see Beyoncé, I bought patches as merch and I’ve finally gotten around to assembling them onto a sweatshirt. It’s really coming together! Hope to share soon.
listening –
I don’t know what substance my good sis has put in this song, but it’s on loop over here, and every time I listen to it, it elicits a slightly different emotion.
next weeks hopes –
I charged my Kindle back up and hope to dive back in to something good. Any recommendations?